ALEX Scott said the Cherries have to become better at killing games off and preserving their lead after they threw away a 2-0 and then a late 3-2 advantage at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Bournemouth were fantastic in the first half at Selhurst Park, deservedly taking a two-goal lead into the break after two Junior Kroupi goals.
But Palace were much the better side in the second period and got themselves back level after 69 minutes through Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The Cherries were able to weather the storm and managed to edge back out in front in the 89th minute through Ryan Christie.
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But Mateta equalised once again for Palace seven minutes into stoppage time from the penalty spot to see the spoils shared at 3-3.
Asked about the Cherries’ second half performance, Scott said: “I mean, that's how it goes.
“You can't perform like that in the second half and come out like that in the second half and expect to be out there competing with the top boys.
“I mean, we got it back to 3-2, and then at that point you've got to kill games off. That's what the top sides in this league do.
“We didn't manage to do it, of course, controversially or not, it's not for us to say.
“We did everything we could. We worked hard out there. And Crystal Palace are a top side, and again, are going to be competing in the top half of the Premier League.”
He continued: “I think if we came out in the second half and score the first goal then it's game over.
“They get a goal back and then the crowd here, it is a great place to play, and the crowd get behind them, which is brilliant for them, and definitely helped them and pushed them on to get another two goals.
“So yes, that is for us to learn [killing games off], and of course, we learn from that today. And yeah, we'll be ready to go again next Sunday for Nottingham Forest.”
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